Lot details
Registration No: KYL 4P
Chassis No: DBH20473
Mot Expiry: Sept 2012

The Corniche moniker was first employed in 1971 on the Coupe and Convertible versions of the Silver Shadow/Bentley T Series. In common with them, the newcomer was penned by in-house designer John Polwhele Blatchley and the underbody and floorpan crafted by Pressed Steel Fisher. Initial assembly was carried out by Mulliner Park Ward of Willesden, London - by then a wholly-owned division of Rolls-Royce. Power was provided by the company's venerable 6.75-litre V8 engine that was mated to a GM Turbo Hydramatic 400 three-speed automatic gearbox. Suspension was independent by coil springs all round, augmented by a Citroen-originated hydraulic self-levelling system. Braking was by discs, with ventilated units being phased in from 1972. A total of just 140 Bentley Corniches were produced between 1971 and 1984, a mere 77 of which were Convertibles.

This charming right-hand drive 1975 Convertible has Brewster Green coachwork teamed with a Beige hide interior. Supplied new by Jack Barclay, London, 'KYL 4P' spent a number of years in Florida before returning to the UK mainland and then enjoying a spell on the Isle of Man. Some key mechanical work was carried out by marque specialist Hillier Hill of Bucks and the Bentley serviced by a similar company in the North of England in May 2009, during which the silencer, power steering pipes and oil cooler were replaced and the rear brakes overhauled. We understand the old MOTs support the low indicated mileage of 75,484. The vendor regards the bodywork as "very good", the paintwork as "excellent apart for minor bubbling at the rear", the engine as "excellent", the transmission as "good, aside of the missing gear change indicator needle" and the interior trim as "good and nicely worn in". This rare and desirable Corniche comes complete with Beige hood cover, working hood mechanism, separate full tonneau, pale-coloured sheepskin over-rugs and an MOT into September 2012.